Backgammon (Mark Geer)

Backgammon is a computerized version of the traditional backgammon board game played against a computer-controlled opponent. The game uses a standard 24-position board and two dice. The computer controls the yellow pieces and moves clockwise, while the player controls the red pieces and moves counter-clockwise.

The computer rolls the dice for both sides and determines turn order based on the opening roll. On each turn, the player enters moves by specifying the starting and destination positions of a checker using numeric input. Legal moves include landing on empty positions, positions occupied by the player’s own checkers, or positions occupied by a single opposing checker, which is then placed on the bar.

Checkers placed on the bar must re-enter the board before other moves can be made. Once all of a player’s checkers reach their inner table, they may be borne off the board according to the dice values rolled. Rolling doubles allows four moves of the rolled value. The game tracks remaining moves and scores the losing player based on how many moves remain when the opponent finishes bearing off all checkers.